Bob Cotton OBE
Doctor of Science

Bob has been chief executive of the British Hospitality Association, the national trade association of the hospitality and catering and leisure industry for over 10 years.

After graduating from the University of Surrey with a BSc in hotel and catering management he began his career with Gardner Merchant (now Sodexho UK Ltd), one of the country’s leading contract catering companies. He rose through the company to the position of Director of Communications and Strategic Development.

He is President of Hospitality Action (the industry’s benevolent organisation), a trustee of Springboard UK and a board member of Tourism South East, past Chairman of Tourism Alliance, Chair of the London Business Tourism Group, and Chairman of the Hospitality Skills Academy. He is also Visiting Professor at London Metropolitan University.

In 2002, he was presented with the Special Catey Award, organised by Caterer & Hotelkeeper, for services to the hospitality industry, as well as the Arena Accolade for his work promoting the industry.

He was awarded an OBE in the 2003 New Year’s Honours List for services to the tourism and hospitality industry.

Bob has been very supportive of the School of Service Management advising on curriculum content and attending the school’s annual prize-giving event.